Nigeria, Feb. 9 -- In a society where age often ushers public figures into quiet retirement, there is a Nigerian who, even at 70, has remained fiercely present through his thoughts and intervention. The man is Pat Utomi, a professor of political economy.

His personality and what he has stood for over the years were behind the noiseless but epoch-making event that took centre stage on 5 February.

The event organised by Prime Business Africa unfurled not in a banquet hall or under the glare of state power, but in a webinar that convened the cerebrals and persons with solid credentials to honour Mr Utomi at 70.

The theme, "Leadership and Governance in West Africa: Lessons from a Lifetime of Service," was an apt description of the life und...